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The Palm Beach Post confirmed Tuesday evening that 2015 Cardinal Newman athlete Erick Hardnett has transferred to Dwyer, which he’s originally zoned for. Hardnett’s first day at his new school will be on Wednesday.

“I just feel like Dwyer is a better fit for me,” said Hardnett, who is cousins with former Cardinal Newman star Travis Rudolph. “Cardinal Newman is a good school, but it wasn’t for me.”

The news comes just two months after 2015 John I. Leonard wide receiver Tavares Martin, who holds offers from school like Florida State, Miami and Ohio State, also decided to transfer to Dwyer.

Hardnett played at running back for the Crusaders last season, rushing for 905 yards and 10 touchdowns. But the Panthers expect rising junior Cornelius Smith to fill the void Alonzo Smith left behind at that position.

Instead, the 5-foot-8, 193-pound Hardnett intends to play all over the field for the Panthers, including at slot receiver. He even hopes to replace safety Shawn Boone in Dwyer’s secondary.

As a junior, Hardnett recorded three tackles and intercepted one pass, but he has worked to improve his defensive skills as a member of the local 7-on-7 football team BallerNation in the offseason.

“Honestly, I haven’t seen him play,” Dwyer coach Jack Daniels said. “I asked Shawn Boone about him today and he said he was a really good player.

“Shawn told me Erick has been playing 7-on-7 and he has been playing really well at corner. There are lots of opportunities for him and I think he can help us with a lot of positions on defense.”

Hardnett is still waiting on his first offer, but he has received interest from schools like Miami and Florida State.